Air conditioning is crucial for lots of homes during the sweaty summer months in Richmond. However, the operating costs associated with running an AC are substantial. Learn how scheduled air conditioning service can lower AC repair costs, and take up energy-saving habits to help your unit run more efficiently. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a comfortable home this summer without spending a lot.
What Routine AC Service Entails
Air conditioning maintenance is a low-cost, predictable yearly charge that pays you back by shrinking repair costs and extending your unit’s life span. Here are some vital maintenance steps that help protect against air conditioner breakdowns:
- Replace the air filter: A dirty filter obstructs airflow and makes your air conditioner to work harder, burning more energy and increasing the risk of overheating. Changing your air conditioner's dirty air filter with a clean one as part of your annual maintenance service call, and every 30 to 90 days throughout the year, encourages optimal airflow and efficiency.
- Clean the evaporator coil: The in-house evaporator coil accumulates dirt and dust over time, decreasing its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the refrigerant inside of the coil to freeze, preventing your air conditioner from operating properly. Cleaning the coil removes this insulating layer and will make it easier for the refrigerant to do its job.
- Clean the condenser coil: The outdoor condenser coil releases heat soaked up by the refrigerant. If it’s covered with cobwebs, grass clippings and other debris, the heat transfer process is weakened. Cleaning the condenser coil boosts the unit’s efficiency significantly, reducing wear and tear on your air conditioner that could bring on breakdowns.
- Straighten the coils’ fins: The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils can become bent, restricting airflow and reducing performance. Straightening the fins with a fin comb puts51 them to their original position to restore proper airflow.
- Lubricate moving parts: Friction in the motor and other moving parts produces heat and causes undue wear and tear. Regular lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth operation and decreasing the need for repairs.
- Double check refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant charge is another answer for why your AC can freeze up, producing longer run times, comfort problems and avoidable AC repairs. An HVAC specialist uses special tools to investigate and modify refrigerant levels as needed to assure proper performance and prevent a mid-season breakdown.
Other Ways to Reduce AC Repair Costs
Once-a-year maintenance is an important factor in lessening AC repair expenditures, but here are some other tips to help your air conditioning unit operate reliably all summer long:
- Turn the temperature up: Raising the temperature on the thermostat setting reduces the wear and tear on your air conditioner. Pick a comfortable temperature and avoid setting the thermostat any lower.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat: When set correctly, a programmable thermostat helps manage your home’s temperature more efficiently, reducing the demand on your AC unit. An effective technique is to program setback periods of 7 to 10 degrees while you’re away or sleeping to conserve on energy costs and further diminish wear and tear.
- Seal air leaks: Gaps and cracks near windows and doors permit warm, humid air indoors. Use caulk and weatherstripping to avoid overburdening your air conditioner.
- Put in additional insulation: An appropriate attic insulation level encourages stable indoor temperatures and reduces your AC’s workload. If you can see the attic floor or joists poking through the existing insulation, add more.
- Stop solar heat gain: The sun’s heat warms your home, increasing the workload of your air conditioner. Installing window coverings and closing the blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day blocks solar heat gain and lowers the risk of a mid-season breakdown.
- Try using ceiling fans: The wind chill effect provided by ceiling fans makes a room feel about 4 degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without surrendering comfort. Don’t forget to switch the fan off when you leave the room, as fans cool people, not spaces.
- Use a dehumidifier: For those who reside in a humid part of the country, increased humidity levels might make your home feel cool but clammy, motivating you to lower the temperature. A whole-house dehumidifier eliminates excessive moisture, giving your AC a much-needed break.
- Clean your vents123: Closed or covered air vents throw off the balance of return and supply air, which may cause your AC to break down. To avoid this, leave at least 80 percent of your registers open, and make sure no furniture, curtains or rugs unintentionally block airflow. Improve circulation further by opening the doors between the rooms in your home as much as possible.
- Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner: If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. In addition to improved efficiency, a new system is also far less likely to break down or have maintenance issues than an older unit, lowering your repair costs in the long run.
Schedule AC Service in Richmond
By investing in regular air conditioning maintenance and following other recommended home-cooling habits, you’ll enjoy a comfortable interior with decreased repair costs this summer. Eveready Service Experts offers quality air conditioner tune-ups to optimize efficiency and lengthen your air conditioner’s life span. We can also upgrade your AC unit if yours is past its prime.